Lack of Isoprene Overproduction during Peritoneal Dialysis

Abstract

ObjectiveIsoprene is the constitutive unit of isoprenoid lipids and sterols. However, it is also a potential toxic and carcinogenic agent. Recent findings of a marked and prolonged isoprene overproduction induced by hemodialysis sessions raises the question of isoprene behavior in patients on peritoneal dialysis.DesignA study with repeated measures per patient and healthy control.SettingNephrology and Dialysis Unit and Perugia University Medical School.PatientsSixteen consecutive patients on regular continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) were evaluated. Endogenous isoprene was analyzed using gas chromatographic assay of breath isoprene, collected at set times before and after dialysis fluid exchange.ResultsNo significant variations were found in breath isoprene concentrations in the different samples from each patient, and levels were almost stable within the normal range of healthy controls.ConclusionThese results show that CAPD, unlike hemodialysis, has little or no effect on isoprene and isoprenoid-related lipid turnover. This lack of increased endogenous isoprene synthesis, in addition to being a distinctive metabolic feature of CAPD, could have important pathophysiological and clinical implications.